Freed International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) volunteer Eugenio Vagni thanked Philippine authorities for his safe release, saying, "the tremendous efforts  of national and local authorities, the AFP and PNP have contributed greatly to the resolution of this long crisis."

The release marked for Vagni "a day (that) I thought may never come."

He also expressed sympathy to all those who perished--civilians and government forces, during the course of combat operations that were carried to rescue him and the two other ICRC workers.

At Kampo Heneral Bautista where he was brought for medical check up after his release from captivity, Vagni reportedly embraced military officers as he thanked them repeatedly.

While at the traume hospital inside the camp, Vagni was given noodles and ice cream.

At around 7:00 a.m., Vagni, accompanied by Sahidulla, Sabban, and Col. Eugene Clemen, was flown in to Andrews Airbase in Zamboanga where he was met by Teodoro and Ibrado.

While at Andrews Airbase, the Italian red cross worker had breakfast together with local and military officials.

At around 9:00 a.m., the aircraft carrying Vagni along with government and military officials left for Villamor Airbase in Pasay City where he will be turned over to ICRC representatives.